Gentry also showed some big-time respect for Artest by saying he was "as good a defensive lpayer at his position that (has) ever played the game."

Gentry said it was ridiculous how much has been made of Suns guard Steve Nash saying the team would be back in Los Angeles for Game 7.

"What's he supposed to say?" Gentry said.

Phil Jackson agreed, saying that players are supposed to think that way.

Artest seemed subdued before the game, watching scouting footage in the locker room and then reiterating that he is not caught up in the excitement of his Game 5 winning shot. He said about people congratulating him: "I am not ever acknowledging compliments, because it means nothing."

Artest said he hasn't been out in public much lately: "I haven't really been going out anywhere -- staying off my feet, eating right, taking care of my body."

About his leg-press session at a nearby health club right after Game 5 Thursday night, Artest said it seemed to be good timing to him to allow his body more recovery time for Game 6. (There's a weight room right next door to the Lakers' locker room at Staples Center, but Ron's Ron.)

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